PepsiCo to Support Entrepreneurs with Greenhouse Program

PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) has announced the launch of its second PepsiCo Greenhouse program in North America. It is an initiative designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and brands in the food and beverage industry.

According to the company, the 2020 program seeks to collaborate with purpose-driven brands at the forefront of transformative trends that are changing the way consumers eat and drink.

“Since its inception, the PepsiCo Greenhouse has been a great source of ideation, talent development, and agility,” said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Chief Venturing Officer.

Issuing an open call up to January 6, 2020, PepsiCo is seeking 10 startups based in the U.S. or Canada whose businesses or brands integrate purpose into their offering, meeting the needs of current and future consumers, communities and/or our planet.

The selected startups are granted $20,000 in funding and will participate in a six-month business optimization program designed to accelerate growth. The program includes personalized mentorship with experts across PepsiCo functions and from some of its leading and emerging brands.

Guidance on brand optimization, product development, supply chain management, customer acquisition, and distribution will also be provided.

At the end of the program, one startup will be awarded an additional $100,000 in funding to continue its expansion, and an opportunity to continue partnering with PepsiCo to further their growth.

PepsiCo first launched its Greenhouse program in Europe in 2017 and expanded the program to North America in the fall of 2018, awarding Austin, Texas-based Hapi Drinks, a sugar-free kids drinks company founded with the mission to fight childhood obesity, as the winning brand.